Cyst On Lower Right Leg

Question
Hi Nicole,
I have a 5 mos. old male pup that has developed a raised lump or cyst about the size of your small finger nail, I should also mention that the skin is also exposed. It does not appear to be bothering him or there are no signs of pain.  However, he does lick the area.  The Vet has had a look at it and has had me give the pup an anti-biotic over the last 7 days for infection but the cyst still remains. I was told to monitor the size and try a cream in the event it is some sort of skin related fungus. The pup also licks this off.  Are you familiar with this health issue in Boxers?  I am sure it would be a fairly minor surgical procedure to have this removed but would you recommend it?   What would you suggest I do to prevent the pup from licking this area.  I have tried band-aids, a sock and taped a tensor bandage around his leg but to no avail...he pulls or bites it off.  We have also tried one of those plastic protective cones that go around his neck...he just freezes with it on and will not move.
Any advice will certainly be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gary

Answer
Hi Gary,

My one male also has a little cyst on his foot.  He's had it for years!  My vet's suggestion was that as long as it doesn't get huge, bother him or otherwise inhibit him, to leave it.  So I have.  :)  I'm not, nor is my vet, one to put a dog under anesthesia unless it's absolutely necessary.  His little cyst is dark and crusty, every few months or so will break and bleed, shrink and heal, then grow to it's normal size again.  It doesn't bother him.

My female has a raised lump on her side that just looks like normal skin.  She's had this for 6 years.  Again, I was told to keep an eye on it.  

My Basset has a skin tag, covered with fur, on his ear...I was told...you guessed it...leave it.  :)

Your vet may want to do a biopsy, he may not.  Most vets see skin problems and will tell you if they think it's a tumor.

You can try a blow up E collar...they have them on line or at most pet stores now.  It's not like a cone, more like a ring shaped pillow that goes over the dog's neck.  It just prohibits them from turning and biting their back ends.

If that doesn't work, you can always try sitting down with him, rubbing the cream in and then keeping him distracted with a nice massage for about 30 minutes.  That would give the cream at least a bit of time to soak in before the excess wore off.  :)